Mike Welch, CRPC®
Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(415) 482-2726(415) 482-2726
My Mission Statement
We create and implement investment portfolios designed to grow and help protect your assets with an emphasis on cash-flow growth.
Welcome
Financial markets can be overwhelming to outside observers, but I’ve found that following a simple, common-sense approach often yields the best results. This is particularly true in today’s media- saturated environment where one can be overwhelmed by data and information.
But data alone does not equal wisdom. Temperament, perspective and self-awareness are underrated attributes in the world of finance and these are things I strive to bring to each of my clients as we work toward achieving their goals.
Less is more is one of my guiding principles and the ability to identify what matters most, filter-out noise and focus on what we can control are hallmarks of my process.
But data alone does not equal wisdom. Temperament, perspective and self-awareness are underrated attributes in the world of finance and these are things I strive to bring to each of my clients as we work toward achieving their goals.
Less is more is one of my guiding principles and the ability to identify what matters most, filter-out noise and focus on what we can control are hallmarks of my process.
Securities Agent: NM, AZ, VA, KY, IA, DC, CA, PA, NJ, DE, CT, WY, SC, NV, ND, NC, MN, IL, FL, TX, OH, MI, ID, GA, AL, TN, OR, MS, MA, KS, WI, WA, SD, RI, NH, MT, MD, CO, VT, UT, NY, HI, ME, LA, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 557601
NMLS#: 557601
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Process
The foundation of my wealth planning approach is our comprehensive 4-step process that reveals each client’s unique situation and puts all the pieces of their financial picture together. The benefit of following this process is that it provides clarity and confidence as you move toward your vision of the future.
Step 1: Discovery
The process begins with a conversation about your financial and lifestyle goals as well as what you expect from the financial planning process. I will also review information about me, my practice and my approach to financial planning. The purpose of this meeting is for each of us to determine whether or not there is a fit. In my experience, this is the foundation of a solid long-term relationship.
Step 2: Design
Once we have a clear understanding of your situation, we design a planning strategy specific to your goals. This process goes far beyond asset management and addresses our clients’ most important values, relationships, and lifelong dreams. The plan we develop provides you with straightforward, customized, actionable advice designed to keep you on track with the ability to course-correct as needed.
Step 3: Deploy
After conducting comprehensive due diligence and analysis of appropriate investment vehicles, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform that match your goals, risk tolerance and overall plan.
Step 4: Ongoing Assessment & Service
We conduct reviews on a regularly scheduled basis that lets us track against current goals, respond nimbly to changes in your situation, and act upon new opportunities as they arise.
Step 1: Discovery
The process begins with a conversation about your financial and lifestyle goals as well as what you expect from the financial planning process. I will also review information about me, my practice and my approach to financial planning. The purpose of this meeting is for each of us to determine whether or not there is a fit. In my experience, this is the foundation of a solid long-term relationship.
Step 2: Design
Once we have a clear understanding of your situation, we design a planning strategy specific to your goals. This process goes far beyond asset management and addresses our clients’ most important values, relationships, and lifelong dreams. The plan we develop provides you with straightforward, customized, actionable advice designed to keep you on track with the ability to course-correct as needed.
Step 3: Deploy
After conducting comprehensive due diligence and analysis of appropriate investment vehicles, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform that match your goals, risk tolerance and overall plan.
Step 4: Ongoing Assessment & Service
We conduct reviews on a regularly scheduled basis that lets us track against current goals, respond nimbly to changes in your situation, and act upon new opportunities as they arise.
Working With You
We provide comprehensive financial planning in the context of a long-term relationship with you. Through our experience we have learned it is important that everyone is clear on what to expect if we are to develop and maintain a successful working relationship – one where I can help you achieve your financial and lifestyle goals.
What You Can Expect
You can expect that I will consistently and responsibly perform all services related to the provision, review and ongoing monitoring of the financial planning solutions we implement on your behalf.
I will always:
Strive to acquire and maintain a thorough understanding of your financial goals.
Update your current financial information on a regular basis.
Carefully assess and monitor your investment risk and time frame.
Explain the implications of all recommended financial planning strategies and gladly answer any questions you may have.
Update you as and when appropriate by email, mail and phone.
Meet you with you regularly to review your plan.
Act as your primary Financial Advisor, coordinating the efforts of other related professionals as and when required.
Treat you with the utmost respect and professionalism
What You Can Expect
You can expect that I will consistently and responsibly perform all services related to the provision, review and ongoing monitoring of the financial planning solutions we implement on your behalf.
I will always:
Strive to acquire and maintain a thorough understanding of your financial goals.
Update your current financial information on a regular basis.
Carefully assess and monitor your investment risk and time frame.
Explain the implications of all recommended financial planning strategies and gladly answer any questions you may have.
Update you as and when appropriate by email, mail and phone.
Meet you with you regularly to review your plan.
Act as your primary Financial Advisor, coordinating the efforts of other related professionals as and when required.
Treat you with the utmost respect and professionalism
Biography
With over 25 years in the financial industry, I offer you professional competence, personal integrity and a refined process to assist in putting all the pieces of your financial picture together.
After graduating from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in English/American Literature, I chose
to broaden my life experience by teaching English in Japan. There I deepened my beliefs in valuing people time and events. Upon returning home I began my career in financial services.
I combined my interest in current affairs and financial markets with a desire to help people live more meaningful lives, especially in retirement.
Stewardship and service are two of my guiding principles and becoming the trusted advisor to clients has
allowed me to realize both my professional and personal goals. I believe a balanced life is essential
happiness and as such I’m dedicated to helping my community be a better place to live and work. I am active in
coaching youth sports, Lector Ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and fundraising for two local charities. In my spare time I enjoy crossfit, reading history, fishing and music.
A Marin County native, I grew up the ninth of ten children in San Rafael and reside in Novato, CA with my
wife Cecilia and our most valuable assets - daughters Keira, Meghan and Julia.
After graduating from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in English/American Literature, I chose
to broaden my life experience by teaching English in Japan. There I deepened my beliefs in valuing people time and events. Upon returning home I began my career in financial services.
I combined my interest in current affairs and financial markets with a desire to help people live more meaningful lives, especially in retirement.
Stewardship and service are two of my guiding principles and becoming the trusted advisor to clients has
allowed me to realize both my professional and personal goals. I believe a balanced life is essential
happiness and as such I’m dedicated to helping my community be a better place to live and work. I am active in
coaching youth sports, Lector Ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and fundraising for two local charities. In my spare time I enjoy crossfit, reading history, fishing and music.
A Marin County native, I grew up the ninth of ten children in San Rafael and reside in Novato, CA with my
wife Cecilia and our most valuable assets - daughters Keira, Meghan and Julia.
Location
1101 5th Avenue
Ste 275
San Rafael, CA 94901
US
Direct:
(415) 482-2726(415) 482-2726
Wealth Management
From My Desk
What to Do If You Are Off Track on Your Goals
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Mike Welch today.
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
3Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
4Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
5When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
7When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
8Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
3Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
4Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
5When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
7When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
8Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
